Artemis to Actæon
And Other Verse (Classic Reprint)
📘 About This Book
Excerpt from Artemis to Actaeon: And Other Verse Artemis To Actaeon Thou couldst not look on me and live: so runs The mortal legend - thou that couldst not live Nor look on me (so the divine decree)! That saw'st me in the cloud, the wave, the bough, The clod commoved with April, and the shapes Lurking 'twixt lid and eye-ball in the dark. Mocked I thee not in every guise of life, Hid in girls' eyes, a naiad in her well, Wooed through their laughter, and like echo fled, Luring thee down the primal silences Where the heart hushes and the flesh is dumb? Nay, was not I the tide that drew thee out Relentlessly from the detaining shore, Forth from the home-lights and the hailing voices, Forth from the last faint headland's failing line, Till I enveloped thee from verge to verge And hid thee in the hollow of my being? And still, because between us hung the veil, The myriad-tinted veil of sense, thy feet Refused their rest, thy hands the gifts of life, Thy heart its losses, lest some lesser face Should blur mine image in thine upturned soul About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works."
📖 Summary
Artemis to Actaeon and Other Verse stands as a remarkable collection of poetry that showcases a different facet of Edith Wharton's celebrated literary talent. Best known for her incisive novels examining social conventions and human psychology, Wharton brings that same profound emotional depth and sharp intellect to her lyrical work. This collection dives deeply into classical mythology, existential questions, and the intricate dynamics of desire, mortality, and divine intervention. The title poem reimagines the classic myth of the hunter Actaeon and the goddess Artemis, exploring the profound and dangerous consequences of divine encounters from the perspective of the immortal figure. Through rich imagery and elevated diction, Wharton examines how the divine manifests in the natural world, haunting the mortal consciousness through the elements, the changing seasons, and the inescapable depths of the human psyche. The verses transport readers to a realm where nature becomes a living, breathing testament to an elusive and demanding presence. Throughout the collection, Wharton uses classical archetypes to reflect on modern emotional landscapes, exploring themes of longing, the pursuit of the unattainable, and the silent spaces where the flesh and the spirit commune. The poetry captures the tension between the safety of domestic, known shores and the relentless, pulling tide of a wider, more mysterious universe. By engaging with these timeless myths, Wharton demonstrates her mastery of verse, offering readers a window into her philosophical musings and her appreciation for classical beauty. The language is crafted with precision, drawing upon sensory details from the natural world—clouds, waves, boughs, and April soil—to ground grand mythological themes in vivid, tangible experiences. This body of work invites poetry enthusiasts and admirers of Wharton's prose alike to experience her lyrical voice, revealing a writer who is just as comfortable commanding the rhythmic cadence of verse as she is navigating the complexities of narrative prose. It is a contemplative and rewarding collection that lingers in the mind, prompting deep reflection on the nature of perception, desire, and the forces that shape human existence.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Demonstrates Edith Wharton's exceptional skill in writing lyrical verse.
Offers a fresh, thought-provoking perspective on classic mythological tales.
Features rich, sensory descriptions of the natural world.
Explores deep philosophical and psychological themes with emotional resonance.
⚠️ Cons
The elevated and classical diction may present a challenge for casual readers.
The focus on poetry might disappoint fans looking strictly for Wharton's traditional fiction.
✍️ About the Author
Edith Wharton (1862-1937) was an American author and the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, known for novels of Gilded Age society including 'The Age of Innocence'.
View all books →❓ FAQ
What is the primary genre of Artemis to Actaeon? +
The book is a collection of poetry written by Edith Wharton.
Who is the author of this poetry collection? +
The author is Edith Wharton, who is also widely celebrated for her classic novels.
What central myth is explored in the title poem? +
The title poem reimagines the classical myth of Artemis and Actaeon.
How does the collection incorporate nature? +
The poetry uses natural imagery, such as waves, clouds, and changing seasons, to reflect divine presence and emotional states.
Who will enjoy reading this collection? +
Readers who appreciate classical mythology, lyrical poetry, and the broader literary works of Edith Wharton will find this collection engaging.
